ERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

Prepared by: Humberto LopezPrepared by: Humberto Lopez Intern, EH&SIntern, EH&S

Sridhar HanumanthaiahIndustrial Hygienist, EH&S

Zeke BarreraDirector, EH&S

Presentation ObjectivesPresentation ObjectivesWhat is ergonomics?What is ergonomics?

OSHA and ergonomicsOSHA and ergonomics

Different types of ergonomicsDifferent types of ergonomics

Health problems associated with Health problems associated with ergonomicsergonomics

Preventive AspectsPreventive Aspects

Training and Services offered by Training and Services offered by EH&SEH&S

What is ergonomicsWhat is ergonomics

Ergonomics makes Ergonomics makes sure that sure that technological systems technological systems are made to fit human are made to fit human needs and abilities.needs and abilities.

The Science Behind Ergonomics The Science Behind Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a science focused on Ergonomics is a science focused on designing a job for the individual.designing a job for the individual.

In order to ensure that individuals have a In order to ensure that individuals have a job tailored to them a basic understanding job tailored to them a basic understanding in physiology, anatomy, and psychology is in physiology, anatomy, and psychology is necessarynecessary

PhysiologyPhysiology

Work PhysiologyWork Physiology– Making sure that individuals are not Making sure that individuals are not

taking part in tasks that exceed the taking part in tasks that exceed the energy requirements of the body.energy requirements of the body.

– Involved in setting standards for Involved in setting standards for acceptable physical work rate and load.acceptable physical work rate and load.

– Looks into the nutritional aspect of the Looks into the nutritional aspect of the individualsindividuals

Environmental PhysiologyEnvironmental Physiology– Deals with the impact of physical Deals with the impact of physical

working conditions and sets optimum working conditions and sets optimum requirementsrequirements

ThermalThermalNoiseNoiseVibrationVibrationLightingLighting

AnatomyAnatomyAnatomy’s role deals with Anatomy’s role deals with making sure that the best making sure that the best possible physical fit between possible physical fit between people and the devices they use people and the devices they use exist.exist.

Things taken into consideration:Things taken into consideration:– Variation of human body sizesVariation of human body sizes– Operation of the muscles and limbsOperation of the muscles and limbs– Working posturesWorking postures– Forces used during work and time Forces used during work and time

workers are expected to exert themworkers are expected to exert them

PsychologyPsychology

Deals with human information Deals with human information processing and decision-making processing and decision-making capabilities or the cognitive “fit” capabilities or the cognitive “fit” between people and their work. between people and their work.

Topics involved include:Topics involved include:– Sensory processesSensory processes– PerceptionPerception– Long-term memoryLong-term memory– Short-term memoryShort-term memory– Decision making Decision making

Texas department of health (TDH)Texas department of health (TDH) follows standards set forth by follows standards set forth by OSHA.OSHA.OSHA website dealing with ergonomics:OSHA website dealing with ergonomics:– http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/

Website contents:Website contents:– Ergonomic four-pronged ergonomic approach that addresses Ergonomic four-pronged ergonomic approach that addresses

musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplacemusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace– Ergonomic aspects that must be enforcedErgonomic aspects that must be enforced– Outreach and assistance programs available through OSHAOutreach and assistance programs available through OSHA– National advisory committee board with tasks including identification of National advisory committee board with tasks including identification of

gaps in research to the application of ergonomics and ergonomic principles gaps in research to the application of ergonomics and ergonomic principles in the workplace.in the workplace.

Some Different Types of Some Different Types of Ergonomics to Ergonomics to

Laboratory Laboratory ErgonomicsErgonomics

Office ErgonomicsOffice Ergonomics

Posture TipsPosture TipsSit against the back of your chair. If Sit against the back of your chair. If you sit back and your feet dangle, you sit back and your feet dangle, lower the chair or adjust the foot lower the chair or adjust the foot ring or get a footrest. ring or get a footrest.

Try tilting the seat forward or use a Try tilting the seat forward or use a seat wedge to work in a forward seat wedge to work in a forward posture without leaning or jutting posture without leaning or jutting your head forward. your head forward.

Always try to work at a bench cut Always try to work at a bench cut out. Cut outs can help you get out. Cut outs can help you get close to your work while sitting close to your work while sitting against the back of your chair.against the back of your chair.

Posture Cont….Posture Cont….

Don't jut your chin forward Don't jut your chin forward when working. Adjust the when working. Adjust the position of your work, the position of your work, the worksurface, or the chair to sit worksurface, or the chair to sit in an upright, supported in an upright, supported position. position.

Keep frequently used trays Keep frequently used trays and supplies within close and supplies within close reach. reach.

If standing for long periods, If standing for long periods, use supportive shoes and use supportive shoes and cushioned mats.cushioned mats.

Keep Hands and Arms RelaxedKeep Hands and Arms Relaxed

Keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to Keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to your sides when working. Avoid reaching out to use your sides when working. Avoid reaching out to use instruments and work materials. instruments and work materials. Maintain neutral or aligned wrist and arm postures when Maintain neutral or aligned wrist and arm postures when working. Sit close to your work area, keep objects close, working. Sit close to your work area, keep objects close, and adjust your chair to match the height of the bench. and adjust your chair to match the height of the bench. Avoid repetitive or forceful twisting and turning motions Avoid repetitive or forceful twisting and turning motions (i.e. opening valves or adjusting microscopes). Make (i.e. opening valves or adjusting microscopes). Make sure valves and knobs are clean and in good working sure valves and knobs are clean and in good working order. order. Work with your wrist in a neutral or straight position as if Work with your wrist in a neutral or straight position as if you were shaking hands with someone. you were shaking hands with someone.

Relax Hands and Arms Cont….Relax Hands and Arms Cont….

Use light pressure when performing tasks such as Use light pressure when performing tasks such as pipetting. pipetting. Use electronic pipettes or light touch models whenever Use electronic pipettes or light touch models whenever possible. possible. Select equipment and tools that are the right size for Select equipment and tools that are the right size for your hand. your hand. Use padding and tubing to reduce pressure and force Use padding and tubing to reduce pressure and force when working. For example, use rubber tubing on when working. For example, use rubber tubing on forceps to increase diameter and reduce pinch force. forceps to increase diameter and reduce pinch force. Soften sharp edges on work surfaces with padding. Soften sharp edges on work surfaces with padding. Use thin, flexible gloves that fit properly. Ill fitting and Use thin, flexible gloves that fit properly. Ill fitting and poorly designed gloves increase pinch and grip forces poorly designed gloves increase pinch and grip forces when working. when working.

Avoidance of Static PositionsAvoidance of Static Positions

Weight shift often when Weight shift often when standing to work. standing to work. Use cushioned floor mats if Use cushioned floor mats if standing in one spot for long standing in one spot for long periodsperiodsAlternate how you hold objects Alternate how you hold objects like forceps. Switch holding like forceps. Switch holding with the thumb and index with the thumb and index finger, and the index and finger, and the index and middle fingers to vary the task. middle fingers to vary the task. Vary activities. Change your Vary activities. Change your position and take breaks every position and take breaks every 20 minutes to rest muscles to 20 minutes to rest muscles to rest and increase blood flow rest and increase blood flow and circulation. and circulation.

Tips for Using a MicroscopeTips for Using a MicroscopeUse a chair that provides good back support. Use a chair that provides good back support. Sit close to your work surface. Sit close to your work surface. Remove false fronts and supplies from under the bench work area. Remove false fronts and supplies from under the bench work area. Avoid leaning on hard edges. Avoid leaning on hard edges. Pad forearms and edges. Pad forearms and edges. Keep elbows close by your sides. Keep elbows close by your sides. Work with wrists in straight, neutral positions. Work with wrists in straight, neutral positions. Adjust your chair, workbench, or microscope as needed to maintain an Adjust your chair, workbench, or microscope as needed to maintain an upright head position. upright head position. Elevate, tilt or move the microsocpe close to the edge of the counter to avoid Elevate, tilt or move the microsocpe close to the edge of the counter to avoid bending your neck. bending your neck. Use adjustable eye-pieces or mount your microscope on a 30° angle stand Use adjustable eye-pieces or mount your microscope on a 30° angle stand for easier viewing. for easier viewing. Keep scopes repaired and clean. Keep scopes repaired and clean. Spread microsope work throughout the day and between several people, if Spread microsope work throughout the day and between several people, if possible. possible. Take breaks. Every 15 minutes, close your eyes or focus on something in the Take breaks. Every 15 minutes, close your eyes or focus on something in the distance. Every 30-60 minutes, get up to stretch and move. distance. Every 30-60 minutes, get up to stretch and move.

Proper Microscope Use Proper Microscope Use

Tips for Using PipetteTips for Using Pipette

Sit supported against the Sit supported against the backrest of your chair. backrest of your chair. Sit or stand close to your work Sit or stand close to your work at bench cut outs. at bench cut outs. Elevate your chair rather than Elevate your chair rather than reaching up to pipette. reaching up to pipette. Hold the pipetter with a relaxed Hold the pipetter with a relaxed grip. grip. Use minimal pressure while Use minimal pressure while pipetting. pipetting. Take a 1 to 2 minute break Take a 1 to 2 minute break after every 20 minutes of after every 20 minutes of pipetting. pipetting.

Proper Pipetting ChecklistProper Pipetting Checklist

Are electronic, light-touch, or latch mode Are electronic, light-touch, or latch mode pipettes available for intensive pipetting? pipettes available for intensive pipetting?

Is the pipette designed for multiple finger Is the pipette designed for multiple finger use (instead of only the thumb)? use (instead of only the thumb)?

Are trays, beakers and supplies placed Are trays, beakers and supplies placed within easy reach? within easy reach?

Are your wrists in a straight or neutral Are your wrists in a straight or neutral position when working? position when working?

Laboratory Hood and Safety Laboratory Hood and Safety Cabinet UseCabinet Use

Adjust your chair height and sit back in the seat Adjust your chair height and sit back in the seat using the backrest. using the backrest. Use footrests and foot rings for leg support. Use footrests and foot rings for leg support. Avoid resting your forearms on hard edges. Avoid resting your forearms on hard edges. Position work supplies as close as possible. Position work supplies as close as possible. Place equipment on approved turntables for Place equipment on approved turntables for easy retrieval. easy retrieval. Use diffused lighting to limit glare. Use diffused lighting to limit glare. Take short breaks to stretch muscles and relieve Take short breaks to stretch muscles and relieve forearm and wrist pressure. forearm and wrist pressure.

Proper Safety Cabinet and Hood Proper Safety Cabinet and Hood Usage ChecklistUsage Checklist

Are your arms relaxed when working in the Are your arms relaxed when working in the fumehood? fumehood?

Are work supplies within easy reach in the Are work supplies within easy reach in the cabinet? cabinet?

Are vials, tubes and receptacles as low Are vials, tubes and receptacles as low profile as possible? profile as possible?

Can you see your work without tilting your Can you see your work without tilting your head and neck?head and neck?

Office ErgonomicsOffice Ergonomics

Components of office Components of office ergonomics:ergonomics:– ComputersComputers– ChairsChairs– TelephonesTelephones

Risks and Hazards Associated With Risks and Hazards Associated With Improper Computer SetupImproper Computer Setup

Backrest:Backrest:– Poor back support and inappropriate postures may result from Poor back support and inappropriate postures may result from

inadequate backrest size, material, positioning, or use. Working in these inadequate backrest size, material, positioning, or use. Working in these postures may lead to back pain and fatigue. postures may lead to back pain and fatigue.

Seat:Seat:– Using a chair with a seat that is too high may force you to work with Using a chair with a seat that is too high may force you to work with

your feet unsupported or encourage you to move forward in the chair to your feet unsupported or encourage you to move forward in the chair to a point where your back is unsupported making it more difficult to a point where your back is unsupported making it more difficult to maintain the S-shape of the spine. These awkward postures can lead to maintain the S-shape of the spine. These awkward postures can lead to fatigue, restricted circulation, swelling, numbness, and pain. fatigue, restricted circulation, swelling, numbness, and pain.

Armrest:Armrest:– Armrests that are not adjustable, or those that have not been properly Armrests that are not adjustable, or those that have not been properly

adjusted, may expose you to awkward postures or fail to provide adjusted, may expose you to awkward postures or fail to provide adequate support. adequate support.

Base:Base:– Chairs with four or fewer legs may provide inadequate support and are Chairs with four or fewer legs may provide inadequate support and are

prone to tipping. prone to tipping.

Proper Computer SetupProper Computer SetupHands, wrists, and forearms must be straight, in-line Hands, wrists, and forearms must be straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.and roughly parallel to the floor.

Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.

Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.normally at the side of the body.

Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.between 90 and 120 degrees.

Feet are fully supported by floor or footrest.Feet are fully supported by floor or footrest.

Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.

Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.seat and generally parallel to the floor.

Knees are about the same height as the hips with Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward. the feet slightly forward.

Chair SetupChair Setup

““A chair that is well-designed and appropriately adjusted is an A chair that is well-designed and appropriately adjusted is an essential element of a safe and productive computer workstation.” essential element of a safe and productive computer workstation.” OSHAOSHA

What consists of a good chair:What consists of a good chair:– One that provides necessary support to the back, legs, buttocks, and One that provides necessary support to the back, legs, buttocks, and

arms, while at the same time reducing exposure to awkward postures, arms, while at the same time reducing exposure to awkward postures, contact stress, and forceful exertions. contact stress, and forceful exertions.

The following parts of the chair are important elements to consider The following parts of the chair are important elements to consider in creating a safe and productive workstation: in creating a safe and productive workstation: – BackrestBackrest– SeatSeat– ArmrestArmrest– BaseBase

Solutions To Backrest ProblemsSolutions To Backrest Problems

If the price of an If the price of an ergonomic chair poses ergonomic chair poses problems then look at problems then look at some alternate solutions.some alternate solutions.If your current chair does If your current chair does not have a lumbar not have a lumbar support, use a rolled up support, use a rolled up towel or a removable towel or a removable back support cushion to back support cushion to temporarily provide temporarily provide support and maintain the support and maintain the natural curve of the spine. natural curve of the spine.

Solution to Armrest ProblemSolution to Armrest Problem

If your armrests If your armrests cannot be properly cannot be properly adjusted, or if they adjusted, or if they interfere with your interfere with your workstation, remove workstation, remove them, or stop using them, or stop using them. them.

Solution to Base ProblemSolution to Base Problem

Chairs should have a Chairs should have a strong, five-legged strong, five-legged base.base.Ensure that chairs Ensure that chairs have casters that are have casters that are appropriate for the appropriate for the type of flooring at the type of flooring at the workstation.workstation.

Proper Telephone UseProper Telephone UseHazard:Hazard:– Prolonged conversations with Prolonged conversations with

the phone pinched between the phone pinched between your shoulder and head may your shoulder and head may cause stress and neck pain.cause stress and neck pain.

Solution:Solution:– Use a "hands-free" head set if Use a "hands-free" head set if

your job requires that you your job requires that you spend a significant amount of spend a significant amount of time on the phone. The use of time on the phone. The use of a speaker phone may also help a speaker phone may also help solve this problem, so long as solve this problem, so long as the volume doesn’t interrupt the the volume doesn’t interrupt the work of your coworkers. work of your coworkers.

PC Monitor SolutionsPC Monitor Solutions

Ergonomic Compliant WorkstationErgonomic Compliant Workstation

Keyboard trays with wrist Keyboard trays with wrist supportsupportErgonomic KeyboardErgonomic KeyboardFully adjustable ergonomic Fully adjustable ergonomic chairchairDocument holder to minimize Document holder to minimize head, eye, and neck strain.head, eye, and neck strain.Corner desk units to position Corner desk units to position monitor directly in front of monitor directly in front of employee.employee.Foot rest if necessary.Foot rest if necessary.Materials within employee arm Materials within employee arm reachreachErgonomic mouseErgonomic mouse

Other Factors InvolvedOther Factors InvolvedBack problems can be due to various other factors such as:Back problems can be due to various other factors such as:

– Depression, anxiety, frustrationDepression, anxiety, frustration– ReinforcementReinforcement– StressStress– AngerAnger– FearFear– LifestyleLifestyle– Sleep patternsSleep patterns– Various other factors Various other factors

Due to the complexity of the human body as well as each individuals lifestyle, it is not a Due to the complexity of the human body as well as each individuals lifestyle, it is not a guarantee that anyone whom uses an ergonomic product such as a more ergonomically suited guarantee that anyone whom uses an ergonomic product such as a more ergonomically suited chair because they were experiencing back pain will no longer experience any back pain.chair because they were experiencing back pain will no longer experience any back pain.

Another aspect that must be taken into consideration is when the back pain begun as well as how Another aspect that must be taken into consideration is when the back pain begun as well as how long it has been going on for. long it has been going on for.

All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician about your health issues. specific health issues and consult your physician about your health issues.

OSHA Checklist For Proper OSHA Checklist For Proper Working PostureWorking Posture

(Y/N) 1. Head and neck to be upright, or in-line with the torso (not (Y/N) 1. Head and neck to be upright, or in-line with the torso (not bent down/back).  bent down/back).  (Y/N) 2. Head, neck, and trunk to face forward (not twisted).   (Y/N) 2. Head, neck, and trunk to face forward (not twisted).   (Y/N) 3. Trunk to be perpendicular to floor (may lean back into (Y/N) 3. Trunk to be perpendicular to floor (may lean back into backrest but not forward).   backrest but not forward).   (Y/N) 4. Shoulders and upper arms to be in-line with the torso, (Y/N) 4. Shoulders and upper arms to be in-line with the torso, generally about perpendicular to the floor and relaxed (not elevated or generally about perpendicular to the floor and relaxed (not elevated or stretched forward). stretched forward). (Y/N) 5. Upper arms and elbows to be close to the body (not (Y/N) 5. Upper arms and elbows to be close to the body (not extended outward). extended outward). (Y/N)  6. Forearms, wrists, and hands to be straight and in-line (Y/N)  6. Forearms, wrists, and hands to be straight and in-line (forearm at about 90 degrees to the upper arm). (forearm at about 90 degrees to the upper arm). (Y/N) 7. Wrists and hands to be straight (not bent up/down or (Y/N) 7. Wrists and hands to be straight (not bent up/down or sideways toward the little finger). sideways toward the little finger). (Y/N) 8. Thighs to be parallel to the floor and the lower legs to be (Y/N) 8. Thighs to be parallel to the floor and the lower legs to be perpendicular to floor (thighs may be slightly elevated above knees). perpendicular to floor (thighs may be slightly elevated above knees). (Y/N) 9. Feet rest flat on the floor or are supported by a stable (Y/N) 9. Feet rest flat on the floor or are supported by a stable footrest. footrest.

Listen To Your BodyListen To Your Body

Pay attention to the signals your body Pay attention to the signals your body provides you.provides you.

If a certain part of your body hurts If a certain part of your body hurts examine your body position and try to examine your body position and try to figure out what might be causing the figure out what might be causing the problem.problem.

If problems persist speak to your doctor.If problems persist speak to your doctor.

Services by EH&SServices by EH&S

EH&S provide training twice a yearEH&S provide training twice a year

Group discussions can be arranged with Group discussions can be arranged with prior notification or appointmentprior notification or appointment

EH&S can help in the assessment of work EH&S can help in the assessment of work station and provide recommendationstation and provide recommendation

EH&S may consider loaning ergonomic EH&S may consider loaning ergonomic chairs for a week or two to assess if that chairs for a week or two to assess if that helps (based on availability)helps (based on availability)

Need Further AssistanceNeed Further Assistance

Contact Sandra Mitchell or Contact Sandra Mitchell or

Sridhar at X4111Sridhar at X4111